Captain Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum were all smiles after England won the first Test at Lord’s, apparently on the same page after a bruising Ashes winter. In the run-up to the home summer, both men denied Australia had damaged their relationship.
Assessing where they are after this episode is mainly done through the words of McCullum. The New Zealander has spoken and Stokes is yet to.
Two days before the second Test, for which Stokes was absent, McCullum repeatedly spoke of his “worry” and “concern” for the all-rounder. However, when Stokes returned to play for his county, Durham chief executive Tim Bostock said he was “bemused” by McCullum’s take.
Two things can be true at the same time. McCullum said he has been in daily contact with Stokes, and could have been given cause for concern. Meanwhile, the 35-year-old could have felt relaxed with Durham, away from everything going on with England.
Before the Test, McCullum would not be drawn on Stokes’ future as a player or captain. He may have genuinely not known, and probably had a right to be frustrated it was Stokes, of all people, who had allowed himself to be caught up in a nightclub incident.
Following a crushing defeat in the second Test, McCullum confirmed Stokes’ return and said: “I anticipate we’ll be able to work together really well in the week coming and I’m sure that both of us have that same vision for this cricket team.”
Stokes will speak to the media on Wednesday, while England train in Nottingham for the first time on Tuesday. There will be plenty of interested observers.